How to renew your Arizona driver license online, by mail, or in person
Arizona lets you renew your driver license online if you meet a few conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that need updating. If you may have access to, the online renewal through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website takes about 15 minutes and costs $25 for a five-year license or $45 for a ten-year license. If you do not meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail or in person at an ADOT office.
Your Arizona driver license is valid for five or ten years depending on which term you choose at renewal. You can renew up to six months before your license expires, and ADOT recommends doing so at least two weeks before the expiration date to avoid driving on an expired license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through ADOT's website is the fastest option if your license is not expired by more than five years and has no medical restrictions.
- A five-year Arizona driver license costs $25 to renew online; a ten-year license costs $45.
- If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your current license and a completed form to ADOT, or visit an ADOT office in person.
- You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, and ADOT recommends doing so at least two weeks early.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to pass a written test and vision screening.
Renewing online through ADOT
To renew online, go to the ADOT website and select the driver license renewal option. You will need your current Arizona driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a valid email address on file with ADOT. The system will verify your information and, if you are approved, you can pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card.
After you pay, ADOT will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes about two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, so you can continue driving while you wait for the new one to arrive. Online renewal does not require you to visit an office or take any tests.
Renewing by mail
If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail. read or request the process for Renewal of Driver License form (Form DL 44R) from the ADOT website or pick one up at any ADOT office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver license to the address listed on the form.
Include a check or money order for the renewal fee payable to ADOT. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time ADOT receives your process. Do not mail cash. If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than five years, mail renewal is not an option—you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at an ADOT office
Visit any ADOT office with your current driver license, proof of Arizona residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address.
In-person renewal is when ready—you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will be mailed within two to three weeks. You do not need an appointment at most ADOT offices, but you can schedule one online to reduce wait times. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening before you can renew.
What happens if your license is expired by more than five years
If your Arizona driver license has been expired for longer than five years, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means you must visit an ADOT office in person, pass the written knowledge test, pass the vision screening, and provide proof of identity, Arizona residency, and your Social Security number.
You will also need to provide proof of lawful presence in the United States. This can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a permanent resident card, or an employment authorization document. The fee for a new license is the same as renewal ($25 for five years or $45 for ten years), but the process takes longer because of the testing requirements.
Documents you need for in-person renewal
| Document Type | What Counts |
|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Current driver license, passport, tribal ID, or military ID |
| Proof of Arizona residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days |
| Proof of Social Security number | Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or 1099 form |
| Payment | Cash, debit card, or credit card (mail renewal requires check or money order) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Arizona driver license if I moved out of state?
No. Arizona driver licenses are only for Arizona residents. If you have moved out of state, you must get a driver license from your new state. If you still live in Arizona but your mailing address is temporarily out of state, contact ADOT to update your address before renewing.
What if I lost my current driver license?
You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. You must visit an ADOT office in person with proof of identity and Arizona residency. ADOT will issue you a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your original license has not expired. If your original license has expired, you will need to reapply and take the written test and vision screening.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Standard mail delivery takes two to three weeks after ADOT processes your renewal. If you renewed online or in person, your new license is mailed automatically. If you renewed by mail, processing takes an additional one to two weeks before mailing begins, so the total time is four to six weeks.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
If you renew online or by mail, ADOT uses your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person at an ADOT office, you will have a new photo taken. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal by visiting an ADOT office instead.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at an ADOT office. Bring your current driver license and a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will have a new photo taken and receive a new license with your updated name.